Southlake Town Square: November 15th

Below are some comments and instructions from Steve Isbell regarding the Southlake, Town Square field trip on Saturday, November 15th 11 AM (sharp) at the Southlake Court House steps (1400 Main Street, Southlake, TX):

From Southlake Town Square

Link to the development's website www.southlaketownsquare.com

Southlake is a wonderful development. It is nationally well known and is looked upon as "the way to do things." Developer Brian Stebbins has given tours to countless city officials from all over the world; many communities look at this development and say "We want that."

There are countless things to do at Southlake Town Square, including many restaurants, shopping, Starbucks and a movie theatre. The first phase, which is where we'll meet, has a wonderful green space. (Green space in developer lingo is space that doesn't directly generate any "green," if you know what I mean!)

Please encourage your students to try and enjoy the afternoon after the tour by strolling around on their own, observing the people, studying the pedestrian traffic, and noting general personality of the place. If they can get below the surface on this, I think it's a great study and learning resource for the "creation of space."

In my opinion, key points that were necessarily in place for this development were: (a) public/private partnerships, (b) non-traditional way of looking at trade areas, (c) a patient developer, and (d) a one in a thousand guy with a one in a thousand location, which equals a one in a million development.

Here's hoping for good weather!!! But in case of inclement weather, please have your students check this link the morning of the tour, www.strat-eq.com/Field_Trip.htm for the status and an alternate meeting place, if applicable. (The link is dead now and will be until a day or two before the tour.)

Please dress business like but for outside weather (be comfortable but we should look a little professional). You should also have a notebook and pen to take notes. Have your questions ready. Last year, Mr. Stebbins answered many questions and had some great career advice for aspiring real estate investors and developers. Finally, please consider carpooling.

Please make sure to thank both Brian Stebbins and Steve Isbell for this wonderful opportunity. This is the third year that we have had this exclusive visit with one of the premier real estate developers and developments in the country. We hope to be invited back next year.